Researchers find increased heavy rains, drought caused by human-induced climate change | Kauai Now

An Increase in Day-to-Day Rainfall Fluctuations Linked to Climate Change

An international team, including two researchers from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, has discovered that human-produced carbon dioxide emissions and climate change have already had an impact on day-to-day rainfall fluctuations over the tropical eastern Pacific and the mid-latitudes. This finding aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action.

Research Findings

The study, published in Nature, utilized a deep learning approach to analyze extensive amounts of data and identify patterns that are challenging for human analysts to decipher. Led by Yoo-Geun Ham from Chonnam National University and Seung-Ki Min from Pohang University of Science and Technology, the research team developed a deep learning model to quantify the relationship between global warming intensity and global daily rainfall patterns. They then applied this model to satellite-based rainfall observations.

1. The results revealed that over 50% of all days since the mid-2010s exhibited a clear deviation from natural variability in daily precipitation patterns, influenced by human-induced global warming.
2. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that the human fingerprint is already visible in daily rainfall variability in the tropical eastern Pacific and the mid-latitudes.
3. The increased variability in precipitation due to global warming poses a greater risk of heavy rainfall and days without rain in these regions, leading to hazards such as flooding, droughts, and wildfires.

Implications and Future Research

While long-term shifts in annual average rainfall remain indiscernible from natural variability in the eastern tropical Pacific and mid-latitudes, this study highlights the emerging impact of global warming on daily fluctuations in these regions, including the eastern U.S. and Canada. These findings emphasize the need for urgent action to address climate change and achieve SDG 13.

• Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is crucial as a mitigation measure.
• Further research is necessary to understand the detailed changes in rainfall extremes on small regional scales, such as on islands like Hawai‘i, to guide local adaptation measures.

By focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, we can work towards mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action

The article discusses the impact of human-produced carbon dioxide emissions and climate change on rainfall patterns. This directly relates to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

The article highlights the increased variability in precipitation due to global warming, which poses risks such as flooding, droughts, and wildfires. This aligns with Target 13.1, which aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. Additionally, the need for further research to understand changes in rainfall extremes on small regional scales reflects the importance of integrating climate change measures into policies and strategies (Target 13.2) and improving education and awareness on climate change (Target 13.3).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
• Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production.
• Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula.

The article highlights the increased risk of hazards such as flooding and droughts due to changes in rainfall patterns. Indicator 13.1.1 can be used to measure the impact of these hazards on the affected population. Additionally, the need for integrating climate change measures into policies and strategies (Target 13.2) and improving education and awareness (Target 13.3) suggests the use of Indicator 13.2.1 and Indicator 13.3.1 to measure progress in these areas.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: kauainownews.com

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